Which smart speaker includes a built-in hub?

The 4th-gen Amazon Echo includes Zigbee, Matter, and Thread radios; the Echo Hub is a wall panel with a Thread border router.

Do smart speakers work with Matter devices?

Yes — Matter-certified speakers and displays like the Echo and Nest Hub control Matter devices, and several act as Thread border routers.

Speaker or smart display?

A speaker for audio-first voice control; a display like the Nest Hub for camera feeds, dashboards, and video.

Best Smart Home Speakers for 2026

A smart speaker is the voice of your smart home — and in 2026 the best ones double as hubs, packing Zigbee, Thread, and Matter radios so they control devices without extra hardware. Beyond voice control, they deliver room-filling audio and features like radar sleep tracking. This guide ranks the smart home speakers and displays we trust across the Alexa and Google Home ecosystems.

What is a smart home speaker?

Smart home speakers combine a voice assistant with audio playback, and the best add a built-in smart home hub. Displays extend this with a touchscreen for camera feeds, device status, and video. If you'd rather use a dedicated bridge, compare smart home hubs.

Top picks

These speakers and displays scored highest for audio, built-in hub features, and value — starting with the Amazon Echo 4th Gen.

Buying guide

Decide between Alexa and Google Assistant, check whether the speaker includes Zigbee, Thread, or Matter radios to avoid a separate hub, and consider a display if you want visual device control and camera viewing. Wall-mounted panels are covered in smart home controllers.